The Effect of Smoking on the Number and Type of Rectal Aberrant Crypt Foci (ACF)-First Identifiable Precursors of Colorectal Cancer (CRC).

Background: The problem of smoking and its influence on the occurrence of precursors and advanced colorectal cancer is often discussed in the medical literature. Tobacco smoke can provide a non-nutritional source of polycyclic hydrocarbons and other substances which, when combined with an incorrect diet, may play a role in promoting carcinogenesis at the level of the genetic control mechanism. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of smoking on the frequency and type of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in the rectum and polyps in the large intestine in people who smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day for more than 20 years.

Rectal aberrant crypt foci (ACF) as a predictor of benign and malignant neoplastic lesions in the large intestine.

Background: The importance of ACF is not fully explained, however, their number may be a good predictor of synchronous and metachronic adenoma or other polyps whose removal reduces the risk of CRC. Due to the epidemiological and genetic association of ACF with pre-cancer lesions, they may be a potential CRC biomarker. The aim of our study was to show that the number and type of rectal ACF may be a good predictive factor for the presence of polyps located proximally from the splenic flexure and that the type and number of ACF can correlate with the number and specific types of polyps in the large intestine.

Peripheral blood T lymphocytes are downregulated by the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in advanced gastric cancer.

Introduction: Programmed death-1 (PD-1) and programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) function as an immune checkpoint pathway that can be exploited by tumor cells to evade immuno-surveillance. The precise role of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition of the immune response in GC is unknown. The study investigated PD-1 and PD-L1 expression on peripheral T-cells and its potential association with clinicopathological features in gastric cancer (GC) patients.

Surface CD200 and CD200R antigens on lymphocytes in advanced gastric cancer: a new potential target for immunotherapy.

Introduction: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. The membrane glycoprotein CD200, widely expressed on multiple cells/tissues, uses a structurally similar receptor (CD200R), delivering immunoregulatory signals. There is evidence that CD200/CD200R signaling suppresses anti-tumor responses in different types of malignancies.

Endoscopic removal of an impacted wooden toothpick in the wall of the sigmoid colon.

Most ingested foreign bodies usually pass through the gastrointestinal tract without any complications. Sharp foreign bodies such as a wooden toothpick may cause severe complications, leading to an acute abdomen. They may also cause mild, non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms without significant findings.

The clinical importance of changes in Treg and Th17 lymphocyte subsets in splenectomized patients after spleen injury.

Background: Splenectomized patients are more prone to bacterial infections due to their immunocompromised status. Little is known about the role of T helper 17 (Th17) and T regulatory cells (Treg) in the immune system of patients after the removal of the spleen.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to analyze possible changes in CD4+ lymphocyte T subsets, especially Treg and Th17, in patients who had undergone splenectomy.

Occurrence of colorectal aberrant crypt foci depending on age and dietary patterns of patients.

Background: Aberrant crypt foci (ACF) are commonly considered the early pre-cancerous lesions that can progress to colorectal cancer (CRC). The available literature data reveal that age, dietary factors and lifestyle can affect the development of several dozen percentages of malignant tumours, including CRC. In the present study, an attempt was made to assess the incidence and growth dynamics of ACF and to determine whether the type of diet affected the development and number of AFC.

Polish Consensus on Treatment of Gastric Cancer; update 2017.

The "Polish Research on Gastric Cancer" project has been continued since 1986. The main aim of this project, which is a multicenter and interdisciplinary research, is enhancing the treatment results of gastric cancer patients by developing and promoting the use of optimal methods for diagnosis and treatment, both surgical as well as combined. One of the more important achievements of the project is the development and publication of a document named "Polish Consensus on Treatment of Patients with Gastric Cancer", whose first version was published in 1998.

Chromoendoscopy with a Standard-Resolution Colonoscope for Evaluation of Rectal Aberrant Crypt Foci.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of death worldwide. According to the theory by Vogelstein, colorectal carcinogenesis involves a series of successive changes in the normal colonic mucosa, starting with excessive proliferation and focal disorders of intestinal crypts, followed by adenoma and its subsequent malignant transformation. The first identifiable changes in CRC carcinogenesis are aberrant crypt foci (ACF).

Anatomical classification of the shape and topography of the stomach.

The aim of the study was to present the classification of anatomical variations of the stomach, based on the radiological and historical data. In years 2006-2010, 2,034 examinations of the upper digestive tract were performed. Normal stomach anatomy or different variations of the organ shape and/or topography without any organic radiologically detectable gastric lesions were revealed in 568 and 821 cases, respectively.

Expression of syndecan-1 and cathepsins D and K in advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

The key features of malignant neoplasms are their local invasiveness and metastatic potential. Syndecan-1 - integral membrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan and cathepsins D and K - lysosomal proteases are important factors influencing different aspects of these processes. The study was undertaken to determine their expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and analyze relationship to selected clinicopathological features as well as to survival.

Cancer antigens 19-9 and 125 in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic mass lesions.

Hypothesis: Accurate differentiation between inflammatory and neoplastic tumors of the pancreas remains a diagnostic dilemma for surgeons. The aim of the study was to assess the utility of 2 neoplastic markers, cancer antigen (CA) 19-9 and CA 125, in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic tumors.

Design: The patients were assigned to a malignant or benign group based on cytological and histological evaluation of pancreatic lesion samples.

Dukes' classification as a prognostic factor in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus undergoing combined-modality treatment.

Background: Several disadvantages of the TNM classification have resulted in a search for a simpler, clearer, and more reliable staging system for esophageal cancer. We evaluated Dukes' classification as a prognostic indicator in 81 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus treated with combined-modality therapy.

Material/methods: The pathological staging was determined according to the TNM and Dukes' classification.

[Palliative treatment of esophageal carcinoma].

The choice of the most beneficial method of the treatment of patients with esophageal cancer still remains a matter of debate. According majority of epidemiological reports only 10% of esophageal cancer patients has a chance for 5-year survival. Unfortunately, the curative surgical treatment is possible in relatively small number of patients, nevertheless esophagectomy is regarded as a principle method of treatment.

[Endoscopic mucosal resection in the treatment of early cancer of the gastrointestinal tract].

Endoscopic mucosal resection is a minimally invasive technique of resection of large pieces of the superficial layers (the mucosa and partially the submucosa) of the gut wall. In the present study we are presenting currently established indications, recent advances in the technique, early and long-term results of the treatment of esophageal, gastric and colorectal early cancer by endoscopic mucosal resection based on the review of the literature, educational materials and personal experience from the training of the first author (KZ) at the National Cancer Center in Tokyo, Japan. Endoscopic mucosal resection should be indicated for every superficial neoplastic lesion of the gut wall that can be safely removed in its entirety by experienced endoscopic team, and subsequently processed and evaluated properly by cooperating histopathologist specializing in gastrointestinal pathology.

Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the esophagus.

The authors present two rare cases of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lower thoracic esophagus in a 73-year-old woman and a 42-year-old man. The histogenesis, clinicopathological features and differential diagnosis of this unusual tumor are also discussed.

Unusual clinical course of metachronous melanomas of the upper digestive system.

Melanoma of the gastrointestinal tract is a rare, highly malignant neoplasm of poor prognosis. This is description of an unusual case of surgically treated patient with two metachronous malignant melanomas of the stomach and the esophagus. The former lesion was located in the cardia and effectively treated with R0 total gastrectomy.

[Splenic abscess in the course of infective endocarditis--report of a case].

Infective endocarditis is the most common condition predisposing a patient to splenic abscess. We report the case of man aged 65 who was admitted to the Internal Medicine Department to diagnose the fever of unknown origin. The fever lasted longer than one year.

E-cadherin expression as predictive marker of proximal resection line involvement for advanced carcinoma of the gastric cardia.

Aims: Total gastrectomy for gastric cardia tumours harbours a high risk of proximal resection line (PRL) involvement. The adhesion markers CD44v6 and E-cadherin were evaluated as predictive factors for PRL involvement independent of tumour stage.

Methods: Forty-nine gastrectomy specimens for gastric cardia carcinoma (type II) were evaluated for stage, resection margins, and CD44v6 and E-cadherin immunohistochemistry.

Rectal invagination due to rectal carcinoma--case report.

Rectal invagination has been considered an important cause of defecation difficulties and blockade (obstructed defecation). The most common the intra-rectal and intra-anal invagination is reported. In this paper authors present a case of a 61 year-old woman with intrarectal invagination due to 6.

Recurrent inflammatory fibroid polyp of cardia: a case report.

Inflammatory fibroid polyp is one of the chronic inflammatory diseases in the digestive tract, which often mimics the submucosal tumor. Precise diagnosis is possible after removal of the detected lesion. Endoscopic removal is recommended as a safe and efficient method of the treatment.

Endoscopic sphincterotomy in 100 patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy: ultrasound evaluation.

Background/aims: The aim of the study was to determine to what extent ultrasonography may monitor the process of sphincterotomy and its effectiveness. The study also aimed at determining the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography in detecting choledocholithiasis, in comparison with the results of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Methodology: Between January 1995 and June 2001, endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed on 100 patients with suspected synchronous choledocholithiasis in preparation for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Ectopic pancreas: endoscopic, ultrasound and radiological features.

Ectopic pancreas, a rare entity, is defined as pancreatic tissue lying outside its normal location without anatomical or vascular connections with the pancreas proper. Most occurrences of heterotopic pancreas are located in the stomach wall, duodenum, small intestine or anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this study was to describe the endoscopic, endosonographic (EUS) and radiological features of these lesions.